Sunday, September 25, 2016

Alas–All good things come to an end

Our trip is rapidly coming to an end. Tomorrow we “fly”…..and make up for that day we lost coming over. We leave here at 11:20 AM, September 26 and arrive in Omaha at 10.05 PM. I know that sounds like only 10 hours and 45 minutes……except total hours elapsed is 25 hours and 45 minutes. I guess that is the price we pay for coming “down-under”.

The trip has been really great and a much slower pace than past trips. That gave us lots of time to play and get to know the local area a little better. Thanks for Roy & Sylvia for their hospitality.

And out thanks to Missy for her presence.

The almost daily walks along the Esplanade and breakwater were great. We enjoyed watching the tides change and the boats (wind powered and engine powered) leave and enter the harbor, the birds (all different from what we normally see), and the flowers (things we see but they grow in the ground here instead of in pots under controlled conditions)!

Because it was a more relaxed trip we had time to enjoy afternoon pastries. You often see shops and cafes with yummy goodies on display……

Yesterday we went to Cleveland (south of Manly). We sat outside and enjoyed our eats and drinks.

Watching the birds cavort is always fun…..Here is the “duty” seagull that was “posing” for us.

We also had a little bit of business in Wynum so were able to see a little bit of that town.

Today we went to the North Shore of Brisbane (just across the Brisbane River) for breakfast. The Blueberry pancakes and Eggs Benedict were yummy.

From there we drove up to Shorncliff where we saw the train station that was built in 1868! As you can see it is still in active use.

We have enjoyed looking at the local homes. Many of them are built in the Queenslander style. Originally, they were open under the house, but over the years the lower level has been filled in. They all have a unique charm.

Finally a few miscellaneous pictures.

Sylvia and Katie

The local mall had these that could be rented – $10 for 20 minutes. They were for the children to ride around the mall on. We asked, but the operators felt we were too big. (Katie says that’s a fib.)

Lebanese version of a Runza. That is lamb inside a dark bread. Served with yoghurt.

Bouquets of flowers at the local market. You don’t see these flowers in North America.

Local gas prices. Looks cheap but this is the price per Liter (slightly greater than a US quart).

Monty and Sylvia relaxing on the back deck.

Roy and Monty…..tree sitting in downtown Manly

Finally…..a last view of the Manly Harbor and Moreton Bay. It has been fun watching the boats and tides.